MH 555 gas tractor restoration

John Turuk · Apr 10, 2012

Hi All

I have the opportunity to purchase a MH 555 gas tractor for $750. The tractor has a seized engine, rotten tires, plastic on the steering wheel shifter knobs also deteriorated. Sheet metal has lots of surface rust but other than that looks good no dents. Owner filled the crankcase with Diesel to try and free up engine. No luck. I pulled the dipstick and couldn't see any trace of coolant. Forgot to pull the rad cap and check for coolant level.
This particular Make and model has a great deal of sentimental value to me and I would like to take a crack at restoring it as I haven't been able to find one for sale in running order.

I am not a mechanic but have some mechanical aptitude. I do many of the minor repairs on our car. Have overhauled a car engine in the past. I have a decent selection of automotive tools but have no hoist, body equipment etc.. I have a double car garage. I am a patient picky guy. So I just need some advice as to what I'm up against and whether you's think I might be getting in over my head

Thanks for your time

John

tom kania · Apr 10, 2012

i know how you feel about sentimental value. i restored a massey 55 gas but could not afford to finish it after my dad passed. he always wanted to hear it run. 55 and 555 share 95% of there parts and they are hard to find and expensive. if you decide to go ahead with the project i know of some old boys who have parts. good luck.

showcrop · Apr 10, 2012

I would go for it because besides the sentimental value it is a pretty uncommon tractor.

in-too-deep · Apr 10, 2012

I'd go for it! If you get stumped on the mechanical stuff...there's always YT!

John Turuk · Apr 10, 2012

Yeah Tom. My grandfather bought a 555 brand new and from the first time that saw it I was hooked! It was my "Mighty Machine" . I was in complete awe of this thing. It was huge, powerful and bright red. My dad must have sensed how I felt about it because when he would move it from field to field or from farm to farm he would plunk me on his lap and away we would go and he would let me steer it. I was in heaven! and I think it must have been geared really high in fourth gear because it could really fly. You can't imagine how often I've thought of it over the years and have wondered it I encountered one again whether it would still have the same magic that it once did. I have a four year old grandson and am thinking that if I take this on maybe the magic will be passed on to him....who knows

flying belgian · Apr 10, 2012

I think you should do it. Ask alot of questions as you go along. You will get through it. First tip if you do it is------don't keep track of the money.

El Toro · Apr 11, 2012

I would buy it. Buy a shop manual that cover's this tractor. Take a lot of pictures, notes and sketches when redoing the tractor. Separate the parts as you remove them and mark each box where they were removed. Soak those pistons with ATF and see if they will free up. You may need to pull the head. Then you can see the cylinders and the amount of rust. Hal

Tony S. · Apr 11, 2012

Old tractors are easier than cars to work on. Cheaper too.

MH 555 gas tractor restoration

John Turuk

Member

tom kania

New User

showcrop

Well-known Member

in-too-deep

Well-known Member

John Turuk

Member

flying belgian

Well-known Member

El Toro

Well-known Member

Tony S.

Member

Similar threads